“It was great,” said Jenni Matheson,
director of Student Life. “It was fun, and we couldn’t
have asked for a better audience. They were so supportive.”

Festivities started with a pre-show picnic at 6 p.m. at China
Gateway Park, next to the theater. The school provided free pizza,
cotton candy, shave ice, popcorn, and drinks as the performers
prepared inside the theater.

Theater doors opened at 7 p.m. as each guest was given a program
and a raffle ticket for the event. The lower gallery soon filled,
and “Da Freakshow” started at 7:30 p.m. Emcee Sam
John introduced himself and then introduced the judges, who included
Vice President for Administration Rick Stepien; Chaplain and
speech instructor Rev. Dale Burke, Athletic Director Jill Ward,
and then ASHPU Parliamentarian Rebecca Lopez, who graduated in
June and is now the Student Life office manager.

The show used seven different sets, with a short break between
acts, for changes and so the judges had time to tally up the
scores. Third place, $200, went to Sarah Zirkle and John Simpson
for their version of “Tell Him,” which was originally
performed by Celine Dion. Second place, $350, went to Daryl Takushi
who did a lip sync performance to “Good morning Baltimore,” from
the 2002 Broadway play Hairspray. Labrador, won $500 for her
version of 4 Non Blondes “What’s Up.”
Other performances included break dancing by Martin Albanesi,
a beat-box performance by Carlos Uretta, hula by Leilani Soon,
and many more.

During the performances, many in the audience supported their
friends by waving their cell phone lights as the performers sang
or danced.

“
There was so much energy in the show,” said Matheson, “one
of the earlier performers came out on stage and danced with the
final act.”

At the end of the show, before the winners were announced, the
winning raffle tickets were drawn for gift certificates, HPU
logo wear, and even an IPod Nano won by senior Jennifer Concepcion.

“
One of the best things that came out of the talent show,” said
Nathan Rudibaugh, then office manager for Student Life, “was
the feeling of cohesion; everyone had a chance to know everyone
else. The event helped bring that feeling to the whole campus.” Rudibaugh
is now the communication coordinator for Student Affairs.

“
I’m impressed,” said sophomore Chanel Reeve, a visual
communication major. “It was very well organized for the
first one. It was entertaining, and I’m looking forward
to the next one.”